Maziarz: New bill would create storm recovery fund

by jmaloni

Submitted

Tue, Nov 26th 2013 09:25 am

Legislators look to aid those not helped by FEMA

A bipartisan group of state
legislators who represent Niagara County and the Mohawk Valley have followed
through on a promise made to flood victims by introducing legislation that
would create a state disaster recovery fund. The bill (S.5987) is
co-sponsored by Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane.

The proposal would create a
supplemental fund to provide individual assistance, public assistance and
hazard mitigation after a natural or man-made disaster. Aid would be available
for a variety of disaster-related expenses, including home repairs and medical
expenses for individuals. Municipalities would be eligible to receive funds for
such items as public services expenses and debris removal. Infrastructure
grants would be available to public schools.

"Following the storms that plagued Western New
York earlier this summer, my office was inundated with calls for help," Maziarz
said. "It would have been ideal to connect these constituents with FEMA and
other agencies, but sometimes that help isn't available. The enactment of this
law would create a much-needed safety net for people who need recovery
assistance but currently can't get it."

Upon a disaster being declared,
the bill would also require the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Services to establish a field office at the disaster site and provide relief
workers. The agency would also create a disaster recovery center and a
toll-free phone number to help those affected apply for assistance.

In all instances, grant applicants
would receive funds within one month. Loan applicants would receive aid within
two months. To ensure the maximum number of people are helped, aid and loans
would not be offered to anyone provided money by their insurance company or the
federal government.

This bill is the centerpiece of a
six-point legislative plan championed by state senators in response to massive
flooding last June. Niagara County and the Mohawk Valley sustained an estimated
$87 million in flood damage between late June and July, the height of the storm
and its devastating aftermath.